Page 44 of The King of Frost and Shadows

Torcall and Finola glanced at each other while Finnian closed the distance between us, coming to stand at my back. The three of them remained silent, though I could see the strain on the guards’ faces. They weren’t sure what to do because Eldrin wasn’t lying.

Another sound captured my attention—beating wings rushing toward us.

Ayankin my chest grew stronger the closer the person came, and I had no doubt who it was.

Tavish.

“What is the meaning of this?” Tavish’s voice boomed seconds before he appeared from a cloak of darkness. “The games start tomorrow.” Lines of strain were etched into his face, and his hands clenched at his sides when he took in the way Eldrin was holding on to me.

Eldrintsked and shook his head. “You know the people have been upset since last night. A few disagreements broke out between the fishermen today. It would have turned into a dire situation if we hadn’t added more guards to keep an eye on our people. We need the games to start today so the people can see you’re serious about punishments. This is to prevent more chaos, so why do you want to wait until tomorrow?”

The question hung heavy like a blanket. The insinuation was clear because everyone had seen that I’d gotten injured last night. Eldrin knew that Tavish would either be forced to admit he was giving me time to heal or allow him to take me.

Tavish’s jaw ticced, the only indication that Eldrin had hit the mark.

I knew he’d relent. If he didn’t, his people would learn that he’d held off the gauntlet despite two of his closest subjects wanting it to begin tonight. According to him, both his and my safety would be at risk if that happened.

“As long as you’re confident that the trial will be challenging enough for our people, I won’t stand in your way.” Tavish folded his wings behind his back. “So I’ll ask you—are you certain our people won’t be disappointed?”

Eldrin chuckled darkly. “Oh, My King. I guarantee that everyone will be satisfied and entertained. I’ve been planning one of these for years in case something like this ever happened.”

Somehow, I swallowed past the sizable lump in my throat. He sounded ecstatic.

Dark, stormy eyes met mine, and I swore I saw in them the regret that Tavish felt.

“Fine.” Tavish crossed his arms. “Torcall and Finola, allow them to pass. But Eldrin, let me make it clear; if you and Caelan fail to make the games entertaining enough for the masses, you will be to blame.”

“I shall bear the full burden if that’s the case.” He bowed ever so slightly then walked between Torcall and Finola, making sure his shoulders hit them while he dragged me along.

“Of course, you’d drag her to the games,” Finnian scoffed.

Eldrin halted, and I ran into his wings. Even though his physique was nothing like Tavish’s, his wings were strong, and the edges dug into my chest, right where I’d gotten injured the night before. The wound burned as if the scab had reopened slightly.

“Are you upset with how I’m treating theSeelieprincess?” Eldrin turned and stepped to the side.

For once, I appreciated my height because he had to step around me to see Finnian and not have my face in his.

“I’m just noting that you’re acting strong and overbearing with her when you’ve never acted remotely the same to other prisoners. You’re grandstanding, like you’re trying to make her believe you have larger testicles than you actually have.” Finnian rocked back on his feet and shrugged.

“The other prisoners are Unseelie, and though they rose against Tavish, they deserve to be here,” Eldrin rasped, twisting my arm so that a deep ache shot through it—like it could very well break. “Aside from the king’s and queen’s deaths and the Seelie forcing us from our lands onto this barren island, she is the reason that several of our people have died. It concerns me that both you and Tavish are struggling with her being mistreated.”

“The situation is unique.” Tavish lifted his hands, his wings folded tightly into his back. “You cannot compare her to the other prisoners.” Even his words were short and harsh like he was furious.

“You have her staying in your room.” Eldrin arched a brow in challenge.

I hated that I’d frozen and wasn’t saying a word. I wouldn’t go out like a coward, especially not around Eldrin. “He made it clear that my job was to keep him happy while I remained in there,” I spat, regurgitating the words he’d said on my first night there. I’d been worried about what he’d meant, but he’d never pushed himself on me.

A guard snickered. “Did she follow through?”

Tavish blinked at me, surprised I’d spoken up to help him, but he recovered quickly, leveling a gaze on the silver-haired guard. “You have no idea.” He smirked and winked at me. “She stayed for a reason.”

“And here we thought he was getting soft on her.” The pewter-haired guard chuckled. “That makes a whole lot more sense.”

My stomach roiled at the innuendo and that these guards didn’t have an issue with a man potentially forcing himself on a woman. I understood they viewed me as the enemy, but no one …no one… should ever be treated like that. No wonder Tavish had moved me to his room.

Tavish scowled. He didn’t seem to like the jovial tone either.

“Since this is settled, we should hurry. The other prisoners will be ready, and the people are entering the coliseum.” Eldrin tightened his grasp then turned and flew toward the cells.

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